PALLASTRELLI – As we all know, an aperitif always gives a boost to dinner. Imagine if this mantra doesn't resonate in the home of Jacopo Guarnieri, one of the best pilot fish in the world., who has built a profession on this role.
Precisely because of his way of interpreting this task, was called by Lotto-Dstny to bring back Caleb ewan to even higher standards (in opening Photo News & Maxime Van der Wielen). The curriculum of Guarnieri It will not only be useful to the little Australian sprinter but also to other talents of the Belgian team. So we went to pay a late afternoon visit to the 35 year old from Piacenza to have him tell us about the new environment he will be living in..
Jacopo, how much did it cost you to leave Groupama-Fdj?
Well, after six seasons it wasn't easyOn the one hand there is disappointment and it will be even more so when we see each other again at the races. On the other hand, however, Change has always been a positive aspect in my career. I felt a cycle was coming to an end, and I seized the opportunity offered by Lotto-Dstny, which came at just the right time. We've remained on excellent terms. In fact, I even told him that... for once Groupama had designed a shirt that I liked, I'm no longer thereThey could give me one (he says laughing, ed.).
How long did it take to create the symbiosis? demare-Guarnieri and the rest of your train?
Actually, very little. We won the first race we did together. February 2017, first stage of the Etoile de Bessegès where Arnaud beat Kristoff, who was my captain the previous year. From there, we built all our automation systems well. We won a lot right away. Perhaps we were lucky that their train didn't exist before. They gave me total trust, with the directions I wanted..
Have you ever counted how much you've won together?
We did over 300 races together. I was there for 85 percent of his victories. He has won 45 of the 51 with me in these six years and out of the 90 in total of his career.If I think about it, I feel proud because these are important numbers and significant successes in stages at the Giro with two cyclamen jerseys, the Tour, Paris-Nice, Dauphiné, and the Tour de Suisse. So before leaving I gave Arnaud a gift where these and other data about us as teammates were summarized.I gave it to him when we met at the presentation of the Giro 2023I was happy to give it to him and he was surprised and happy to receive it.
In Lotto-Dstny you will formally work for Ewan but you will find another Arnaud, De Lie, for whom you could be the last man.
I mainly went there for CalebWe will have the same schedule for the entire first part of the season, until summer. However, I asked to be able to run with De Lie. He's similar to Boonen, he's strong on the climbs and isn't as fast, but I'd be interested in trying to lead him to victory too. He's a 2002, so there's a lot to discover.
Considering your previous experiences in other teams, how long will it take to find the right mechanisms with the new train?
It will be less immediate because Caleb has his own deeply rooted ideas. There are other colleagues who already worked for him, but I think they lacked guidance. It could be more difficult, but at the same time very stimulating. For me, a train that starts at 50 miles an hour and gradually reaches 60 miles an hour is more effective, while Caleb prefers to get to 60 miles an hour straight away and keep the speed up until the end.These are two different situations; in the second case, it's easier for them to get back at you. We have to find a compromise, since he is not a rider who likes to start in the lead..
You spent two mini-retreats in Belgium with the team. What were your impressions?
I spent a total of a week between both trips. We mostly got together to party and get to know each other, since we were still on vacation. We were in Houffalize for team building. We mainly did orienteering divided into several teams of riders and staff. There were various tests to overcome, such as kayaking or a via ferrata. We will meet again in January in Altea or CalpeOnly Arnaud will be there, while Caleb will be racing down in Australia. It's a shame because it could have been a chance to try out some trains, but we'll have time to make up for it.
Starting this year, Lotto-Dstny will be a professional team but will be eligible to compete in a World Tour schedule as the best relegated team. What do you think?
This is the best situation. We can manage our races, going to race where we really care and where we can get results. We have the right to participate in all WT races, but not the obligation. Obviously, it has to be renewed every year, while the WorldTour license is valid for three years, and from that point of view, you're more relaxed. We will have to confirm that we are among the two best pro-teamsI think maintaining this position shouldn't be any more difficult than expected, although never say never. I'd like to help them get back into the WorldTour. In any case, we'll be doing a high-level activity., like I did in other years.
What goals did Jacopo Guarnieri set for himself?
Winning with the leader. I'm nearing the end of my career, but nothing changes for me. Well, I wouldn't mind finding new train "cars", if you'll allow me the metaphor.Over the past year, I've included Miles Scotson in Demare's team. He's not a last-man, but as a second-to-last, he could have a great future, and he's staying at Groupama-Fdj. Here, however, I need to get to know my future teammates well.
And aren't you thinking about the World Championship? You know the circuit, and besides, you have a good relationship with coach Bennati...
With "Benna" we were teammates and I will have no problem talking to himI don't think my schedule will affect me. Since the World Championships are in August, I think whoever does well in the Tour de France could have a fast track to being called up. I did the route at the 2018 European ChampionshipsThis time there should be a 6-kilometer climb on the transfer section, but I don't think it will make any difference. I remember that the street circuit isn't very easy. My program should allow me, if I'm up to it, to show off and therefore aim for an Italian jersey..
